How You Can Help Get Those Photos - ISLAND GIRL PHOTOGRAPHY blog at BridesClub.com

Aloha!

This week I thought I would share with you some little tips that I have given to each of my bridal parties just before we start shooting. I have taken the ideas from what was going on when the photo was taken, how I approached the experience, and many other factors!

*Tip #1 -The first thing that I say to my brides as soon as I am at the location is:

"Relax. It's your wedding day, the worst part, the planning, it's all over. This is your day and I want to capture the spell-bound look in your eyes, NOT the worry that we all know is going on underneath!"

I can't imagine the things that are swarming through the bride's head days, hours, even minutes before the ceremony begins, and there really is no way for anyone to know UNTIL they, themselves are the bride. All I know is when a bride's mind is somewhere else, it will effect the perfect images that she wants to look at when it is all OVER!

*Tip #2 - Remember to SMILE!! :)

Even though you think this is a lame tip, it is surprising how many brides forget to smile! It's not so much that they forget, more that they aren't going with Tip #1. Sometimes, a good thing to do is just say, "Wait. One second." and take a look around. Look at your family and friends and the smiles that are plastered to their faces. Go over to a parent or close friend and just tell them how happy you are that they are there with you and how much you love them. Smile. If you are taking photos with your groom. Take a moment to just look into his eyes and realize that at that moment, you are completely happy.

If you are your family, friends, and groom don't have a "sappy" relationship, then maybe ask Dad how much he'll love you after he sees the bill; stick your tongue out at a close friend who you may share a silly, child-like relationship with; or give your groom a little pinch on the toosh! :) SMILE!

Whatever does it for you, whatever brings that chuckle, giggle, sly smile, or even a gafaw, DO IT!

*Tip #3 - And this is one that is a "if you can and are willing to do it, it might help". Spray that hair till nothing, not even a little itty-bitty strand will move!

I know, I hate it when I have too much hairspray in my hair, but I hate it even more when I look great in a photo except for the GIANT chunk of hair that flew across my face!

Maybe don't spray it till it's practically cement. Maybe have it a little-itty-bitty wet just for the photos. Not, Robert Palmer "Addicted to Love" video vixen hair. Just something so those wasps aren't making you look like you have static electricity.

Yes, I could PhotoShop those strands out, those litte wispy ones. Not the chunks though.

So I'll keep an eye out for them and push them out of your face as much as I can. Hey, maybe it'll be a non-gusty day. Hopefully there will be a little breeze (cause that dress may get hot) but no wind storms please.

Let's see. I was going to make Tip #4 be something about a good lipstick that doesn't rub off and stays bright and non-running mascara, but you'll have that covered. Why not this:

*Tip #4: Watch out for those may be quenching their thirsts (and I'm not talking about Soda and Juice)! :)

Yeah, the bride and groom are allowed to one or two to calm the nerves, but beware of over-doing it!

Standing through procession is nerve-wreaking enough! Walking down the aisle is hard enough when your knees are wobbling!

You're all asking how this effects photos. Well, if you and your friends tend to get a little wild with even a little sip of libations, think of what might happen in front of the camera. There will probably be a lot of great, funny shots of you and the girls! A last "Look how Kooky we are before blank's wedding!", but what about those soft group shots of all of you looking so pretty in the dresses that took you FOREVER to pick find in everyone's size!

All I'm saying is take it easy before the photos and ceremony, then go nuts! I'll make sure to get the crazy shots on the dance floor! :)

How about one more,

*Tip #5 - And this can either be the easiest or the hardest of the day.

Make sure everyone you want to take a photo with is there!

Give your photographer a list ahead of time with people/shots that you HAVE TO GET! And although I will try and learn all your names over the course of the night, it may be easier to just give a list with "Joe's Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, 5 Brothers, etc". If you have both sets of grandparents on both sides, maybe a "Grandma Laura, Grandpa Fred, etc" might help, too.

Oh, and make sure THEY know you want a photo with them! :)
It's always a challenge finding that ONE person that you want to take a photo with, so hopefully if they are aware of what they are needed for, they will keep an eye and ear out.

Alright then.

I'll come up with more stuff as I think of it. Since I'll be shooting a wedding this weekend, it should be no problem to come up with more ideas! :)

Mahalo Nui Loa

Tricia Ilima Hamasaki
Island Girl Photography